HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-12-19 Government Operations Committee Minutes Government Operations Committee Minutes
Monday, December 19, 2022
Councilors in Attendance:Tremble (Chair), Leonard, Sprague, Pelletier
Non-Committee Member Councilors: Yacoubagha, Fournier
Staff in Attendance: C. O'Donnell, D. Laurie,J. Comstock, D. Szewczyk
The meeting was called to order by Acting Committee Chair Tremble.
1. Order: Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Memorandum of Understanding with
the Bangor Area Recovery Network to Receive Up to $23,000 from the State of Maine
Overdose Response Pilot Grant to Employ a Recovery Coach to Support the Project
Public Health Promotions Manager Jamie Comstock explained this program and the
collaboration of them working with our overdose response team, dollars flow through the
City. This grant is largely Bangor focused, but we work with Penobscot County OPTIONS
liaisons. When asked, Manager Comstock described the work they do with engaging those
using drugs, hand out Narcan, and work toward building relationships to help connect folks
to services.
A motion to approve and move to full Council was made by Councilor Leonard, seconded by
Councilor Sprague, all in favor.
2. Order: Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Memorandum of Understanding with
Maine Mental Health Connection's Together Place Peer Run Recovery Center to Receive
Up to $23,000 from the State of Maine Overdose Response Pilot Grant to Employ a
Recovery Coach to Support the Project
Public Health Promotions Manager Jamie Comstock explained there are two recovery
coaches at two locations and this is the second MOU, but apart of the work described in the
first item.
A motion to approve and move to full Council was made by Councilor Leonard, seconded by
Councilor Pelletier, all in favor.
3. Unlimited Solutions Clubhouse Presentation
Executive Director Carrie Lemos was present to provide an overview of the Clubhouse's
programming. They've existed in the Bangor area for approximately 10 years and are owned
by Penobscot Community Health Care (PCHC). They work with individuals with mental
health disorders and help them with life skills, return to work, and improve their wellness.
She provided and detailed and in-depth overview of their work and services.
4. Draft Ordinance:Tenants' Housing Rights
Assistant City Manager O'Donnell and City Solicitor Szewczyk provided an update on the
draft Tenants' Housing Rights Ordinance. Staff revised the ordinance based on the
committee's prior feedback and included the following changes: application fee and
screening fee defined separately, prohibiting application fees, restrict screening fees
including amount to $75, and reduce records retention from the three to two years for
landlords. It was explained staff are looking closely at the enforcement piece but sought
further feedback from the Council committee. There was further discussion about a
committee or board to hear rental matters, along with the desire or need to have a fee,
obligation for tenants to speak up, enforcement, amount of the fee, if it goes far enough,
etc.
ACM O'Donnell summarized the discussion stating that it sounded like Councilors would like
additional information regarding: (potential discrimination based on) vouchers, income
requirements, screening fees and definition, and having a potential committee. It was
decided staff would look into these items and return with more information.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.